Lucciola — Restaurant in New York

Chef Michele and server Anele (who is by the way a part of the love laboring handmade pasta making process) took us on a culinary journey with thoughtful dishes that represent the Chef’s background and training from Bologna to Japan and beyond.

We enjoyed a 5 star customized dining experience with 7 delectable courses; each one a new surprise thanks to the amazing staff’s customizations.

Chef Michele is a native from Bologna in Italy; a region widely known amongst Italians as the food capital of their country.

This was the most meaningful thought out exclusive meal we’d ever had. I just want to say that I received news of my grandmas passing just before our meal, so this became a celebratory event for her life and legacy, and the staff delivered us comfort food with love, deep thought, and extra special attention to each dish which felt like a hug to our hearts while warming our insides.

Anele our incredible server, conversed with my husband and I about our preferences; our mood/loves, needs, culinary guilty pleasures and curiosities. We entrusted her and to put all decisions in her hands, and she delivered above and beyond with many surprises along the way.

Chef Michele has trained also 7 years in Japan; the Wagyu A5 was exceptional, served delicately with a 13 year aged balsamic vinegar.(That’s the lifespan of a young teenager, this was a dedicated labor of love that we felt grateful to share and enjoy.)

The risotto alla milanese was kissed with saffron aromas,

The deconstructed lasagna made from homemade pasta scraps was rich and velvety reminded me of how my nonna used to save everything she cooked by making new miracles and utilizing all that she had to please and feed her family.

The truffle and shaved aged Parmesan on a biscuit pastry was divine,

The Japanese fish with Tuscan olive oil,

The fagua duck pate with orange rinds and olive oil was utter heaven and melted in your mouth with a refreshing sweet zing, offering a smooth bite that felt like eating a savory chocolate mousse of some sort,

The first bowl of comfort- our fresh buratta served atop zucchini with pomodoro sauce was a complete welcome in and a hug for what I was going through.

Each course was so divine and our dessert the chocolate espresso style cake with crema gelato was the perfect closing to a very special meal.

We will never forget your hospitality truly. Anele Chef Michele and Alexandra, thank you for making my evening so special and helping us get through this difficult time. With love & many thanks, Maria Di Cara Lux Quest...

Lucciola the best Restaurant ever, is a Hidden Gem on the Upper West Side That Redefines Dining Excellence !

Stepping into Lucciola NYC feels like entering a world where passion, precision, and artistry converge to create an unforgettable culinary experience. Tucked away in the heart of the Upper West Side, this intimate 20-seat haven is not just a restaurant—it’s a celebration of flavors, hospitality, and innovation.

From the moment you’re greeted by the warm and professional Alexandra, the Maitre D’, you know you’re in for something extraordinary. Her ability to make each guest feel uniquely valued sets the tone for the evening. The rest of the front-of-house team—Filip, Anelle, and Abu—move with a synchronized elegance, ensuring impeccable service without ever feeling intrusive.

The kitchen, led by the genius Chef Michele Casadei Massari, is a place where magic happens. There is no set menu; instead, you’re invited on a culinary journey through a no-menu tasting experience, tailored to seasonal ingredients and your preferences. The result is a seamless progression of dishes, each more breathtaking than the last. From perfectly crafted handmade pastas to delicate risottos infused with the richness of Parmigiano Reggiano, every plate is a masterpiece of flavor and presentation.

Behind the scenes, Dario, Fabio, and Susy work tirelessly, infusing each dish with artistry and precision. Their attention to detail is evident in every bite, where textures and flavors blend to perfection.

The wine program, curated by Alberto Ghezzi, elevates the entire experience. With over 1,350 labels to choose from, Alberto’s pairings are nothing short of brilliant. Each glass complements the dishes flawlessly, offering an added layer of depth to the meal. Whether it’s a crisp white to enhance a seafood course or a bold red to match a rich, truffle-infused pasta, his selections bring out the best in every bite.

What makes Lucciola truly stand out is the attention to detail and the passion that permeates every aspect of the experience. The combination of world-class food, impeccable service, and expertly paired wines creates a dining event that is both intimate and unforgettable.

For those who crave an elevated, bespoke dining experience where the food tells a story and the wine sings in harmony, Lucciola NYC is a must-visit destination. It’s more than a meal—it’s a memory waiting to be made.

Run, don’t walk, to Lucciola NYC. This is dining reimagined, and it’s happening right here on the...

The BEST!!! Our reviews had over 52 million views in the last 12 months. We do not get paid we just love to eat and have fun. We really love Lucciola. WENT AGAIN SEPT. 2022 AND AGAIN IT WAS A 10 PLUS. CHECK OUT THE PHOTOS. Went 2 more times this month (April, 2022). Each time better than the last. This is the best ANOTHER UPDATE 2-2-2022: NOW THEY HAVE A NEW SEAFOOD AND PASTA MENU (SEE PHOTOS) HAD THE LOBSTER WITH PASTA AND RED PEPPER SAUCE. WOW!!!! NOT SPICY BUT FULL OF FLAVOR. THIS IS STILL THE CHEAPEST CAVIAR AND CHEAPEST TRUFFLES IN TOWN. THESE LOW PRICES WILL NOT LAST FOREVER. WE LOVE CAVIAR BUT THIS IS THE BEST DEAL IN TOWN SO WE ONLY GET IT HERE. SEE NEW PHOTOS. UPDATED 11-26-2021 - STILL THE BEST. NOW WITH WHITE TRUFFLE MENU THAT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD AND THE CHEAPEST WHITE TRUFFELS IN TOWN (SEE ARTICLE IN NY TIMES). EVERYTHING IS PERFECT. BEST SERVICE WE HAVE HAD ANYWHERE AS WELL. LOVE IT FROM START TO FINISH. wow Excellent Italian in a small joint with one of the best chefs in town. The pasta is beyond belief. All homemade. We had them make a custom plate of CAVIAR and all of them were wonderful. The staff took a lot of time to carefully explain each one, where it was from, the subtle differences and what to look for in each one. Check out the photos of the custom caviar dish. Also note that they have a great WAYGU beef selection. Desserts are crazy good and they have some 50 year old, 100 year old and 150 year digestive (no alcohol in it) that they can add to your dessert. We tried the 50 year old and it was awesome. Photos lay it all out for you. Everything we had was awesome. Get a reservation. Super small place but one of the best for sure. Pasta with lobster is a must have. UPDATE: HAD ANOTHER GREAT TIME, FOOD WAS PERFECT. THIS IS A SECRET GEM. WORLD CLASS FOOD IN A ROMANTIC JOINT WITH GREAT STAFF. LOTS OF FUN AND FULL OF FLAVORS. THE LOBSTER PASTA WITH SAUCE MADE OUT OF RED PEPPERS RATHER THAN TOMATOES IS ONE OF THE BEST MEALS I HAVE EVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF EATING. MORE NEW PHOTOS BELOW Check out all of our reviews. If we do not like it we do no review it so all of the ones you see are places that are fantastic. Follow us if you like. 52 million views in the last 12 months and we thank you for that. We don't get paid, we just love to eat. Be sure to click on "RobH" at the top of this review to see all of them and to follow us if you like good food and FUN. If we do a review it is...